Sam Memmolo
|
|
Bobit Publishing Co. Truck & SUV Performance When I decided to step up the power in my 2002 Chevy 2500 DuraMax, I checked out all the different manufacturers of performance chips and tuners. There were several options, and I had to choose the one that was right for me. I chose the “Juice with Attitude” from EDGE products. I liked the 5 levels of power and the “Attitude” monitor that allowed me to dial in power from the dash. The display can be set up to monitor several different important engine functions. I choose the 4 window digital display and selected EGT, boost, engine coolant temperature, and transmission slip monitors. The last function is the one that brings me to my
point. My DuraMax came from the factory with a flywheel horsepower rating of 300, and about 500 ft pounds of torque. Impressive for a stock pick up truck, but for towing I wanted more. You will probably find most all of your customers also want more towing power, better fuel economy, and just more fun!
Ask any DuraMax owner who has stepped up the power, and he or she can tell you that these trucks can dyno out with over 350 rear wheel horsepower, and over 800 foot pounds of torque. That my friends will make a stock Allison say uncle! The Allison is a well built unit with an excellent transmission controller. The TCM or transmission Control Module is very sophisticated and contains lots of logic. One of the functions it can perform (and does a good job of), is measuring transmission slip. Once that transmission begins to slip, the TCM immediately tells the engine computer to de-fuel and reduce power to avoid French frying the transmission clutches, and ballooning the torque converter. So, as you can see, the performance chip or tuner is defeated by the computer if the transmission begins to slip. That’s a good thing for the driveline, but may make your customer less than happy. When my transmission began to slip, especially in torque converter lock-up mode, I knew it was time to make some changes. I went to the guys at ATS Diesel Performance in Colorado, and they had everything I needed to fix my truck. ATS decided to do a television show with us on Two Guys Garage, so I was ready to volunteer my truck. ATS engineers, designs, and manufactures the patented “TripleLok” torque converter. This is a great unit with a triple clutch, and billet steel cover and clutch piston. The ATS converter also features “Square Tab” triple clutch pack, furnace brazed fins, and a totally redesigned stator. This unit provides over 3 times the capacity of a stock single clutch unit.
The unit we installed in my Chevy was rated at 2100 Foot Pounds of Torque. I will never hurt this gear box! Now I can utilize even the highest torque and horsepower settings on my Edge performance module, and not have any problems with transmission slip or power retarding. Be sure to check out all the great transmissions, torque converters, and other performance goodies available from ATS Diesel Performance. Log onto www.ATSdiesel.com Happy Motoring, Sam
|
|
|
